How much sleep should a newborn get?
Newborns usually need to sleep 16 to 18 hours a day, but this sleep is often divided into many small periods. Therefore, sleeping through the night in each baby is different and not every baby will be able to do this soon. According to Dr. Sanjay Manchanda, Chairman of the Department of Sleep Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (New Delhi, India), an expert at Onlymyhealth, creating a suitable sleeping environment will help children fall asleep more easily.
How does the sleep environment affect?
Newborns are very sensitive to the environment. If parents are still up, turn on the lights or make noise in the room, it will be difficult for them to sleep because it is like playing time, says Dr. Manchanda.
To help your baby sleep better, you should:
Keep it dark, because darkness helps your baby's body produce melatonin (a hormone that supports sleep).
Make sure the room temperature is comfortable, not too hot or too cold.
Reduce noise, do not let electronic devices cause distraction.
Establish a regular, gentle bed habits to signal that your baby is at rest time.
Health reasons for insomnia
Children may wake up from discomfort or pain such as:
Cold, bloating, constipation.
wet towels, rough clothes or unbleached bedrooms.
Tooth decay is also a common cause of insomnia.
You should check and handle these factors to help your baby feel more comfortable.
Too much stimulation also makes it difficult for children to sleep
Physical and mental stimolities such as excessive playfulness, too many visitors or mothers using caffeine through breast milk can make babies difficult to sleep. Keeping your baby balanced and calm during the day before bed will help your baby relax easily.
Tips to help your baby sleep better
Create a habit of going to bed regularly every night so that your baby can easily recognize the time to rest.
Make sure your baby has eaten well before bed, but avoid feeding too much as it can make the baby uncomfortable.
Choose clothes for your baby made from soft, breathable materials that do not cause itching or discomfort to your baby's skin.
For older children, you can teach them how to calm themselves and gradually fall asleep to make them more independent when going to bed.
If you have tried many ways but your baby still has difficulty sleeping, you should take him to see a pediatrician or specialist to check if there are any health problems.
Note
Dr. Sanjay Manchanda says sleep deprivation during your baby can make you tired and stressed, but remember this is only a temporary period. Each baby develops sleep at their own speed and with proper care and the right environment, the baby will soon form a healthy sleep routine.
